Understanding AJAX Filter Behavior and User Experience in WordPress Websites
When developing dynamic filtering systems for WordPress sites, especially custom solutions crafted from scratch, it’s important to consider how these features interact with user navigation—particularly the browser’s back button.
Recently, I worked on a bespoke website for a freelance designer, creating tailored AJAX category filters to enhance site navigation. Since existing plugins didn’t meet the specific requirements, I opted to build the filtering mechanism from the ground up. While the filters function correctly, I noticed an issue: when visitors click on a post detail and then press the back button, the filters reset to their default state instead of preserving the user’s previous selections.
This raises a question about expected user experience and best practices. Should a well-designed dynamic filter system remember the user’s previous choices when navigating backward? In many cases, yes. Maintaining filter states enhances usability by providing a seamless browsing experience, especially on content-rich sites.
However, implementing persistent filter states—such as utilizing URL parameters or leveraging browser storage—can require additional development time and complexity. In my current project, fixing this behavior would likely take a couple of days, and I’m already working at a competitive rate.
So, the dilemma: should I offer to implement persistent filter states as an extra feature, charging accordingly? Or is it acceptable to leave the filters resetting on back navigation, considering the scope and initial agreement?
Ultimately, the decision hinges on the project’s priorities and client expectations. Communicating the value of enhanced navigation experience and offering the fix as an optional enhancement can be a good approach. It ensures transparency and allows the client to make an informed choice about investing in that additional user experience improvement.
In conclusion, when creating custom filtering solutions, especially with AJAX, thinking through how they impact navigation and user flow is crucial. Simple fixes can significantly improve usability and might be worth considering as an upgrade to deliver a more polished, user-friendly website.
